Affecting the planning and implementation of developmental services for children and adults with HIV infection.

The increasing number of individuals infected wit', symptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has created a need to examine public policy issues and to further efforts in planning, implementing, and evaluating services for individuals with HIV infection and their families. A working conference was convened, which identified several issues regarding HIV infection in special populations. Conference work groups formulated policy recommendations which are outlined and discussed in the report. These recommendation focus on the following policy areas: (1) service development should represent a partnership between professionals and the Involved families; (2) no child or adu.A should be denied access to services due to .nfection with HIV; (3) the infected child or adult nas a right t) confidentiality concerning HIV status; (4) the individual who has both HIV infection and developmental disability will require an extensive range of services, including special assistance, training, and support for families and caregivers; (5) an extensive effort is needed to prepare program staff so that all such staff understand the nature of HIV infections, its limited infectivity, and specific service measures; and (6) funding mechanisms must be establigted or modified to reimburse additional costs resulting from services for individuals with HIV infection and developmental disabilities. (JDD)